Murphy ready to defy history

World champion Shaun Murphy, who has not won a tournament since last year's success, believes he can defy history and defend his title in Sheffield.

Englishman Murphy sprang a huge shock at the Crucible Theatre when he became the first qualifier to win the tournament since 1979. No first-time champion has ever won back-to-back world titles but Murphy says he can achieve the feat. The tournament starts today.

"I've got a great chance of defending my title because I'm arguably playing even better than I was last time," he said.

"I've probably spent half the time on the table that I spent on it last year because I've had so many commitments, but I don't really feel that it has affected my game.

"I think the reason why no-one has ever won the tournament for a second time straight after is because you're so busy. I had no idea what it would be like. It's been a very hectic year."

Murphy, who beat Welshman Matthew Stevens 18-16 in the final, begins his defence with a first round tie against Thailand's James Wattana.

"I think it'll be a really good match to open the tournament with," said the 23-year-old.

"James is a very experienced campaigner who was the world number three at one time in his career, so he knows what it's all about."

There is fierce competition to win snooker's top prize, with no player dominating the sport over the last 12 months.

World number one Ronnie O'Sullivan has struggled to find his best form this season.

O'Sullivan, who has won two world titles, secured the Premier League crown in December, beating Stephen Hendry 6-0 in the final. But the 30-year-old Englishman was a losing finalist in both the Grand Prix and Masters tournaments.

O'Sullivan must look to improve on his performance in last year's World Championship, when he was beaten by Peter Ebdon at the quarter-final stage, if he is to retain his position at the top of the world rankings.

He faces qualifier Dave Harold in the opening round.

Murphy believes the tournament is wide open.

"As I proved last year, anyone can win the title," he said.

"I was a 150/1 outsider after winning two qualifiers to get there, so you can throw the form book out of the window because everyone can beat everyone else."

No touch of Malta

There will be no players representing Malta in the final stages of the World Championship as both Alex Borg and Tony Drago are out of the reckoning.

Borg was beaten in the third qualifying round by Mark Selby 10-4 and Drago lost at the same stage to David Gilbert 10-7.

Selby won his next match against Robert Milkins 10-4 to move to the final stages at the Crucible but Gilbert was ousted by Wattana 10-7.

First round:
Murphy vs Wattana; Steve Davis vs Hicks; White vs Gray; Ebdon vs Holt; Stevens vs Swail; Doherty vs Hawkins; McManus vs Fu; Maguire vs King; Hendry vs Bond;

Dott vs Parrott; Lee vs Carter; Hunter vs Robertson; Higgins vs Selby; Williams vs Hamilton; Perry vs Day; O'Sullivan vs Harold.